Europe finally opened up (post-Covid) and we came running!
Barcelona was our first stop where we toured the city in a day, went to an amusement park and practiced Spain Spanish. We tried to get our bearings straight with the new time zone, etc. Charlotte and Johnny adjusted right away and slept over 12 hours every night. We loved walking through the bustling streets hearing all the sounds and smelling all the smells. Our city tour lead us through the Sagrada Familia and also to Park Guell where we experienced lots of Gaudi art. The amusement park was next and was definitely a highlight. It’s called Tibidabo (which is really fun to say) and is located on the top of a mountain overlooking the city. Tibidabo is one of the oldest parks in the world and is still functioning (mostly). There were a few times I might have have been nervous for our safety. Overall, Barcelona is such a fun and lively city with plenty to do. Mellors took it all in and I’m sure we will be back again soon.
Our next stop was Mallorca, a short flight from Barcelona. There we got to relax at the beach for several days. The water was dreamy; that beautiful turquoise blue, calm and shallow. We went ocean fishing and toured around on an old fishing boat. We ate some amazing food and mostly enjoyed the slow pace of a European beach town. We didn’t find another American the entire 6 days. On our last day, we went into an old city center where the original stonewalls still surrounded the city. It was amazing to walk around the historic cobble streets and shop at the local market. Mallorca felt like a world away from anywhere. We loved the rustic, old European vibe and tried to pull off a little South American Spanish when possible. Not sure we really got away with it.
Our last spot was Paris. Ahhhh… Paris. We love this city. We enjoyed even more incredible food, toured the Louvre, went to the top of the Eiffel Tour, and played at the local carnival across the street from our hotel in the Tuileries. Once again, I found myself nervous for our safety as the light-hearted European carnival attendees loosely ran the show. Paris has always been so good to us and everyone is always so kind to our children. I could’ve stayed the rest of summer in Paris:) Someday.
It was a whirlwind of a trip (12 nights abroad) and we tried to soak in every charming moment Europe had to offer. Charlotte and Johnny are rockstar travelers and can get over jet-lag and new beds and strange food faster than John and I. We love to see the world through their eyes and they truly are our inspiration for so much adventure. Thank you, kids, and thank you, Europe! We missed you.
Things to remember:
European breakfasts at every hotel, small spaces and closets, stone walls and buildings, Gaudi, art everywhere you look, interesting food, city smells, the scary Ferris Wheel rides and the virtual roller coaster ride (with the pink dragon) at Tibidabo, the rooftop pool, European bathing suits or lack there of, Rose all day, taxis, the dinner in Mallorca on the mountain, Charlotte braiding Johnny’s hair, cats, the king bed in Mallorca, the cruise ship music at night, our balcony view, skip ball in swimming pool, slowing down, Johnny catching a fish within the first 60 seconds, filming the scene from Aladdin under the tree, rain in Paris, more rain in Paris, waiting under the umbrellas at the Louvre, filming WWII German movie in lobby, John feeling sick in crowded Eiffel Tower elevator, Eiffel Tower opened late due to striking workers, the carnival in the Tuileries with another virtual ride, Johnny running like Naruto with his hands behind him, feeling homesick, anchovy lunch, riding ponies next door, John walking down main street with giant inflated toy, macaroons, loving our tribe and grateful for culture and experiences abroad.
Pictures from Barcelona:
Pictures from Mallorca:
Pictures from Paris:
